One of my favorite Android tablets wasthe original Nexus 7(I also lovedthe second - gen modelthat set up a year later ) . Google ’s 7 - inch Android pad of paper were well - made , had capable specs , and were incredibly affordable . Both models were critically acclaim and set a new standard for powerful , summary tablet that were n’t outrageously expensive .
unluckily , we have n’t had anything quite like the Nexus 7 for well over a decade . pocket-size Android tablets still subsist , but they ’re often budget - concentrate models with far too many compromises . If you need a properly able and compact tablet , you require to bribe an iPad miniskirt . At least you used to .
AtCES 2025 , Lenovoannounced the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 . It ’s a small(ish ) Andriod tablet with quality hardware , respectable specs , and a militant Mary Leontyne Price . I got to use the Legion Tab forward of its release , and I ca n’t wait to get my hands on it again .
All the makings of a great compact tablet
The Legion Pad Gen 3 makes a proficient first impression decently out of the logic gate . The aluminum body feels really well - made and cool to the hint . It ’s also surprisingly lightweight at just 350 grams — notthatmuch heavier than the 232 - gram Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra . And because the system of weights is spread out over a larger consistency , the Legion Pad feel even lighter than expect . It ’s also improbably flimsy at 7.79 mm , relieve oneself it thinner than phones like the S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro .
And even though the Legion Tab is technically a “ gamer ” tablet and part of Lenovo ’s gaming - focus Legion sub - stain , it does n’t look like some other cliché gamer - focused machine . Besides the Legion logotype on the back , the Legion Tab Gen 3 looks like any other Android tab . If anything , it ’s a spot basic with its ultra - streamlined black paint line . There are no RGB lights or anything else that screams , “ I’M A TABLET FOR GAMERS . ” It ’s fresh , classy hardware , and I quite like it .
The 8.8 - column inch display is a highlight , too . eyeglasses - wise , it has a 2560 x 1600 declaration with a 165Hz refresh rate . It ’s bright , colored , andveryresponsive . There ’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside copulate with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage . While I did n’t have a prospect to take on any hard-core game or put it through intense multitasking seance , the Legion Tab was fast and snappy at porta apps and scroll through various preferences pages . That ’s certainly not enough to evaluate its full performance capacity , but it made a proficient first effect , and the lozenge should bemorethan powerful for watching motion picture , vane browse , and virtually any game you drop at it .
Is the Legion Tab just for gamers?
As this twist is market as a “ Legion ” tablet , it ’s clear that Lenovo is pushing the Legion Tab Gen 3 forthwith at gamers . To Lenovo ’s credit , some gamer - specific extra features and glasses are include . However , they do n’t inevitably mean that the Legion Tab Gen 3 isonlyfor gamers .
For example , the Legion Tab has a evaporation bedchamber that ’s designed to keep the tablet cool and performant during farseeing gaming Roger Huntington Sessions . That ’s obviously very helpful for gamers , but it ’s also something everyone can benefit from . There are also two USB - C passthrough ports — idealistic if you want to charge the Legion Tab while also connecting it to a monitor so you have a larger screen for your games . Useful for gamers ? Certainly ! A convenience feature that non - gamers can take advantage of ? Absolutely .
Lenovo also foretell some gaming software feature coming to the Legion Tab subsequently in the first poop of 2025 , include an AI - powered gambling double-decker and AI edit tools to redact highlights / clips from a gaming stream . Those are a bit more corner , but they should be loose enough to ignore if you are n’t concerned in them .
The small Android tablet we’ve been waiting for
Although the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 may not to the full retake the magic of those old Nexus 7 tablets , I retrieve about them more with the Legion Tab than with any other Android tablet in recent memory . Between the well - built computer hardware , timbre display , compact body , and equal to specs , there ’s a fate to like . And with a Leontyne Price of just $ 500 , it ’s got the value proposition right , too .
Will the Legion Tab Gen 3 see wild success like the Nexus 7 did , or like what the iPad mini enjoys today ? That ’s still up in the air . But , at least from my perspective , I call up I ’m sold .
